Dear Missy Elliott — you don’t know me, yet but I was just sharing the fact, that I, listen to your music whenever I have to “pump it up” and go out to a swanky entertainment event. I’m shy. For example, the New York Amsterdam News has covered the Academy Awards® since 2015 and as I get dressed to attend the formal event, I listen to Work It, The Rain and Get ur Freak On . Since I've been blessed to walk actually walk to the Kodak Theater, where the Oscar® ceremonies are held, I take you on that walk and last year — playing on loop was—I’m Better.

The ‘Mistress of Funk and Fun’ Missy Elliott will be honored by Essence with the 2018 ‘Black Women in Music’ event [honor] taking place on January 25, 2018, at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.

A multi-GRAMMY Award-winning rapper, singer, songwriter and producer, Elliott has consistently pushed the boundaries of R&B, hip-hop and pop music with a string of classic hits—including Get Ur Freak On, Work It, Lose Control, Lady Marmalade, Pep Rally and WTF (featuring Pharrell), among many more.

Additionally, Elliott has collaborated with entertainment giants such as Timbaland and Pharrell, as well as produced chart-topping hits for the late Whitney Houston, Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige.

2015’s legendary Super Bowl Halftime show performance with Katy Perry solidified Missy’s global influence across generations. Now, following nearly a decade-long focus on behind-the-scenes production work, she has re-emerged stronger than ever with the release of I’m Better (featuring Lamb, and another version with hip-hop heavyweights Eve, Lil Kim and Trina), as well as a planned documentary on her life in music. Considered a seminal force in the entertainment industry, Elliott is also a positive role model: projecting strength, confidence and female empowerment to her legion of fans.

Missy Elliott is a formidable businesswoman and retains full creative control over her music and multimedia content. After more than two decades in hip-hop, she is still at the top of her game.

“The artistry of Missy Elliott cuts across generations—underscored by her vast creative accomplishments and contributions to the culture,” said Vanessa De Luca, ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief. “So prolific is her work, she is an inspiration to women all over the world. Missy’s energetic presence is truly magnetic, and we can’t wait to celebrate her as one of the artistic masterminds of our time.”

In just eight short years the ESSENCE ‘Black Women in Music’ honor has become a distinguished award, as it recognizes the accomplishments of both emerging and established artists and influencers during GRAMMY week. Previous celebrants include GRAMMY Award winners Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland and GRAMMY Award nominee Andra Day, as well as music industry veteran Sylvia Rhone and singer/songwriter Emeli Sandé.

The 2018 ESSENCE ‘Black Women in Music’ event is sponsored by Lincoln. To learn more go to Essence.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes access. Twitter and Instagram: @essence #BlackWomeninMusic.